Contaminated packages discovered at Ukiah post office

Three employees at the Ukiah Post Office were treated at Ukiah Valley Medical Center Thursday after more than two dozen packages being unloaded were discovered to be contaminated with what is believed to be a solvent.

United States Postal Service Spokesman James Wigdel said the post office, which is a "last mile deliverer for FedEx and UPS," received a shipment from FedEx around 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14 and while the packages were being offloaded, one of the clerks noticed a package was leaking liquid.

Wigdel said the a "hazardous spill protocol" was initiated and the combined Ukiah Fire Department and Ukiah Valley Fire District responded to the facility.

"One of the employees who handled one of the packages got a little bit of a rash on her hands, and two other employees developed a respiratory issue," Wigdel said, explaining that all affected employees received medical treatment and were expected to return to work Friday.

Wigdel said the contaminant, which is believed to be a solvent for cleaning engines, was found on about 25 packages which are not being delivered. He said it is unknown how the packages got contaminated, but it is believed to have happened before the packages were delivered to Ukiah.

"At this point, we're considering (the packages) hazardous and we can't deliver them," Wigdel said, explaining that intended recipients will be contacted by either FedEx or the USPS. "Our main priority at this point is that no customers become contanimated, and that our employees are safe, as well."